Marina, Volcanic Cone, and Wetlands

Half Moon Bay sits on Auckland’s eastern coastline with a proper marina and one of the city’s best-kept secrets, Pigeon Mountain. Most people only know Half Moon Bay for the ferry terminal, but there’s some excellent walking here that gets way less attention than it deserves.

Pigeon Mountain is the star. It’s a volcanic cone like Mt Eden or One Tree Hill, but you’ll often have it to yourself. The summit gives you 360° views that rival anything in Auckland, and the wetlands around the base are brilliant for birdwatching. Plus, the coastal paths around the marina are pleasant and connect to the wider East Auckland network.

I reckon Half Moon Bay’s one of those places where locals know what’s good and everyone else misses it. The marina walk is nice but nothing special, Pigeon Mountain is where you want to spend your time.

The walks range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Most are moderate with some decent climbs on Pigeon Mountain.

Pigeon Mountain Volcanic Cone

This is the best walk in Half Moon Bay. Pigeon Mountain is a volcanic cone with a clear track to the summit and spectacular views from the top.

What you’ll get:

• 360° views from the summit (Waitakeres to Coromandel on clear days)
• Volcanic crater you can walk around
• Decent climb (but nothing too strenuous)
• Way less crowded than Mt Eden or One Tree Hill
• Historic pā terracing on the slopes

The climb takes about 30-40 minutes to the top. It’s a proper climb, you’ll feel it in your legs, but the track’s good and there are rest spots. The summit views are outstanding. You can see the entire Auckland region laid out below you.

The crater at the top is really cool. You can walk around the rim and down into the bowl. There’s interpretation panels explaining the volcanic history and the pā that was here.

Distance: ~2km return | Time: 45min-1hr | Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections)
Best for: Summit views, volcanic features, exercise

Get the complete guide to Pigeon Mountain summit walk

Pigeon Mountain and Wetlands Loop

This walk combines the mountain summit with a loop through the wetlands at the base. It’s the full Pigeon Mountain experience.

What you’ll get:

• Summit climb plus wetland walking
• Birdwatching in the wetlands (pukeko, herons, ducks)
• Boardwalks through wet areas
• Longer walk combining different landscapes
• Less busy than the summit-only track

The full loop takes about 1.5-2 hours. You climb the mountain, loop around the crater, come back down, then do the wetland circuit. The wetlands are totally flat with boardwalks, so it’s a nice contrast after the climb.

The birdlife in the wetlands is good. You’ll see pukeko, various ducks, herons if you’re lucky. The wetland restoration work here is impressive, they’ve done a great job.

Distance: ~4km loop | Time: 1.5-2hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Longer walk, variety, birdwatching

See the full Pigeon Mountain and Wetlands loop details

Half Moon Bay West

The coastal walk heading west from Half Moon Bay Marina towards Bucklands Beach. Nice flat walking with harbour views.

What you’ll get:

• Marina and coastal views
• Flat, well-formed paths
• Links to Bucklands Beach
• Cafés at both ends

This is an easy 30-40 minute walk from the marina to Bucklands Beach. The path’s sealed or well-formed the whole way. Good for a casual stroll or as a connector between areas.

The marina section is pleasant, boats, views across to Rangitoto, people coming and going. Not spectacular, but nice. Better as part of a longer walk than a destination on its own.

Distance: ~2.5km one way | Time: 30-40min each way | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Coastal stroll, linking to Bucklands Beach

Check out the Half Moon Bay West walk

Half Moon Bay East (Moon Bay East)

The walk heading east from the marina towards Pakuranga. Similar vibe to the west side, flat coastal walking.

What you’ll get:

• More marina and harbour views
• Flat paths good for buggies
• Links to eastern suburbs
• Quiet compared to west side

About 20-30 minutes east from the marina. The path follows the coast then cuts inland a bit. Less scenic than the west side but still pleasant.

Good if you’re extending your walk or heading towards Pakuranga. Most people do this as part of the Coastal Rotary Walkway rather than a separate walk.

Distance: ~2km | Time: 25-30min | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Extending marina walks, links to Pakuranga

See the Moon Bay East walk details

Other Walks in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay Marina Loop

A short loop around the marina. Perfect if you’re coming off the ferry or just want a quick stroll.

What you’ll get:

• Marina views and boats
• Flat sealed paths
• Cafés right there
• Quick 20-minute circuit

Just a simple loop around the marina precinct. Nice if you’re meeting someone for coffee or waiting for the ferry. The marina’s pleasant, good people-watching, boats, harbour views.

There’s a café right at the marina and another across the road. Makes it easy to combine a quick walk with coffee.

Distance: ~1km | Time: 15-20min | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Half Moon Bay Marina

Pigeon Mountain to Farm Cove

There’s a developing track linking Pigeon Mountain area to Farm Cove (north of Pakuranga). Parts are complete, parts are still being built.

What you’ll get:

• Links Pigeon Mountain to wider network
• Mix of formed path and quiet streets
• Suburban walking with reserve sections
• Good for longer routes

The completed sections are about 2km. You’re walking through reserves and along quiet streets. It’s fine but not exciting, more useful as a connector than a destination.

Once this link is fully complete, you’ll be able to walk from Pigeon Mountain right through to Howick without touching main roads.

Distance: ~2km (when complete) | Time: 30-40min | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Pigeon Mountain Reserve or Farm Cove

Jack Voelkerling Reserve

Small reserve right near Pigeon Mountain with short bush tracks. It’s tiny but pleasant.

What you’ll get:

• Short bush loop (10-15 minutes)
• Native planting
• Links to Pigeon Mountain
• Quiet local spot

The reserve is only about 10 minutes to walk through. Native bush, some birds, a small stream. It’s more of a quick nature break than a proper walk.

Good if you’re doing the Pigeon Mountain wetlands loop and want to extend it slightly. Or for dog walking if you’re local.

Distance: ~500m of paths | Time: 10-15min | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Barry Court (off Ti Rakau Drive)

Half Moon Bay to Bucklands Beach Extended

If you keep walking west past Bucklands Beach, you can continue all the way to Howick and beyond on the Coastal Rotary Walkway.

What you’ll get:

• Long coastal walking (as far as you want)
• Links multiple suburbs
• Cafés at various points
• Can make it 10km+ if you’re keen

From Half Moon Bay Marina to Howick is about 5-6km. To Pakuranga is about 8-10km the other direction. You can create pretty much any length walk you want by choosing where to start and finish.

This is brilliant if you want a proper long walk. The paths are all well-maintained and mostly flat. Drop a car at each end or catch the bus back.

Distance: Variable (5-15km options) | Time: 1.5-4hrs | Difficulty: Easy
Start/Finish: Multiple options

Pigeon Mountain Historic Walk

Follow the pā terracing around Pigeon Mountain to learn about the historic settlement.

What you’ll get:

• Historic pā features (terraces, kumara pits, defensive works)
• Interpretation signs
• Can combine with summit walk
• Cultural and historical interest

The terracing around Pigeon Mountain is really well-preserved. You can see how the slopes were modified for living platforms, food storage, and defense. There’s signs explaining what you’re looking at.

This isn’t a separate track, it’s more about taking your time on the main Pigeon Mountain walk and paying attention to the historic features. Allow an extra 30 minutes if you want to properly explore.

Distance: Included in main Pigeon Mountain walk | Time: Add 30min | Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Respect the historic sites – don’t climb on terraces

Getting to Half Moon Bay

By Car:

• Take Pakuranga Highway to Ti Rakau Drive
• Or come via Bucklands Beach Road
• About 25-30 minutes from Auckland CBD
• Free parking at Pigeon Mountain, paid at marina

By Ferry:

• Half Moon Bay ferry from Auckland CBD (weekends and public holidays)
• About 30 minutes from downtown
• Great option if you don’t want to drive
• Pigeon Mountain is 20-minute walk from ferry terminal

By Bus:

• Bus 50 from city via Pakuranga Highway
• Bus 535 from Panmure
• Several other routes nearby
• Good connections

By Bike:

• Good cycle paths from Pakuranga
• Bike racks at Pigeon Mountain and marina
• Connects to wider East Auckland network

Parking Spots:

• Pigeon Mountain Reserve (Barry Court/Glenmore Street), free, decent-sized
• Half Moon Bay Marina – paid parking, or free on nearby streets
• Street parking around the area (all free except marina)

Pigeon Mountain car park can fill up on sunny weekends. Get there early or park on nearby streets and walk in.

When to Go

Best Seasons:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Perfect but hot. Start early for Pigeon Mountain (7-8am) before it heats up. Zero shade on the summit.
• Autumn (Mar-May): My pick. Great visibility for summit views, not too hot, wetlands are good for birds.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Can be windy on the summit. Clear winter days have spectacular visibility. Bring warm layers.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Lovely. Warming up, wetlands active with breeding birds, wildflowers on the lower slopes.

Best Times of Day:

• Early morning (7-9am) for Pigeon Mountain summit, cool, empty, great light
• Late afternoon (4-6pm) for sunset views from the top
• Midday is brutal in summer on the exposed summit
• Evening for marina walks, nice atmosphere

Weather Considerations:

• Wind can be fierce on Pigeon Mountain summit, bring a windproof jacket
• No shade on the climb, sun protection essential
• Summit views depend on visibility, clear days are worth waiting for
• Wetlands can be muddy after rain

Facilities & Practicalities

Toilets:

• Half Moon Bay Marina (near ferry terminal)
• Pigeon Mountain Reserve (basic toilet near car park)
• Nothing on the mountain itself

Food & Drink:

• Half Moon Bay Marina (café)
• Bucklands Beach village (5-minute walk west)
• Pakuranga shops (10 minutes north)
• No water on Pigeon Mountain, bring plenty

What to Bring:

• Water (especially for Pigeon Mountain, there’s none on the climb)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (summit is exposed)
• Windproof jacket (summit can be windy even on calm days)
• Camera (views are spectacular)
• Snacks for longer walks
• Binoculars for wetland birdwatching

Dogs:

• Allowed on most walks (on-leash)
• Off-leash times at some areas (check signage)
• Pigeon Mountain is okay but keep under control
• Clean up after your dog

Mobile Coverage:

• Good everywhere
• Summit has excellent coverage (you’re high up)
• Emergency services coverage is fine

Safety:

• Summit track is steep, take your time
• Stay on formed tracks (respect pā sites)
• Watch for mountain bikers on shared sections
• Bring more water than you think for summer climbs

My Honest Take on Half Moon Bay

Pigeon Mountain is genuinely one of Auckland’s hidden gems. The views from the summit are as good as any volcanic cone in the city, better than Mt Eden on a clear day, but you’ll often have it mostly to yourself. I don’t understand why it’s not more popular, but I’m not complaining.

The climb is decent. Not crazy hard, but you’ll know you’ve climbed something. The track’s good though, and there are places to stop and catch your breath. The views get better with every step, so the motivation’s there.

The crater at the top is really cool. Being able to walk around and into a volcanic crater in the middle of Auckland still amazes me. The pā terracing is impressive too, you can see how the whole mountain was basically a fortified settlement.

The wetlands loop is a nice addition if you’ve got time, but the summit’s the main event. Do the summit, enjoy the views, head back down. If you’ve got energy left, add the wetlands.

The marina walks are pleasant but nothing special. Fine for a casual stroll or getting your steps in, but Half Moon Bay is all about Pigeon Mountain really.

Who’ll love Half Moon Bay walks:

• Anyone wanting summit views without One Tree Hill crowds
• People who like volcanic features and geology
• Summit baggers (tick off another Auckland cone)
• Photographers (360° views are incredible)
• History buffs (excellent pā site)
• Birdwatchers (wetlands are good)

Who might not:

• If you can’t handle hills (the summit climb is legit)
• If you need flat walks only (marina is flat, mountain isn’t)
• Buggy-pushers (marina fine, mountain impossible)
• If you hate crowds… actually, you’ll probably love it because there aren’t any

Connecting Routes

Half Moon Bay links to the wider East Auckland coastal network:

West to Bucklands Beach and Howick: Follow the foreshore paths west. About 30 minutes to Bucklands, 1 hour to Howick.

East to Pakuranga: The developing coastal path heads towards Farm Cove and Pakuranga.

North to Botany area: Reserve paths link through suburbs towards Dannemora and Botany (about 5km).

Check these nearby walks:

• Bucklands Beach walks – 30-minute walk west
• Pakuranga walks – Coastal Rotary Walkway
• Howick walks – village and coast
• East Auckland walks – full network

Quick Walk Comparison

Walk	Distance	Time	Difficulty	Best For	Buggy-Friendly?
Pigeon Mountain Summit	~2km	45min-1hr	Moderate	Views, exercise	No
Mountain & Wetlands Loop	~4km	1.5-2hrs	Moderate	Full experience	No
Half Moon Bay West	~2.5km	30-40min	Easy	Coastal stroll	Yes
Half Moon Bay East	~2km	25-30min	Easy	Links to Pakuranga	Yes
Marina Loop	~1km	15-20min	Easy	Quick walk	Yes
Extended Coastal	Variable	1.5-4hrs	Easy	Long walks	Mostly

Pro Tips

1. Do Pigeon Mountain on a clear day – the views are worth waiting for good weather
2. Start early in summer – the climb is exposed and gets hot
3. Bring way more water than you think for the mountain
4. Go clockwise on the wetlands loop – better flow
5. Clear winter days have the best visibility from the summit
6. Take the ferry from the city if you don’t want to drive – lovely trip
7. Sunset from the summit is spectacular (check times, allow 45min to get up)
8. Combine with Bucklands Beach for a longer coastal day

Perfect Half Moon Bay Morning:

• Start at Pigeon Mountain car park (7:30am in summer, 8:30am in winter)
• Summit climb (45 minutes up)
• Explore crater and enjoy views (30 minutes)
• Down then wetlands loop (45 minutes)
• Drive to Half Moon Bay Marina for coffee (10 minutes)
• Done by 11am, you’ve earned breakfast

Ferry Day Out:

• Catch ferry from Auckland CBD (morning sailing)
• Walk from marina to Pigeon Mountain (20 minutes)
• Summit climb and back (2 hours)
• Lunch at marina café
• Quick marina loop (20 minutes)
• Ferry home (afternoon sailing)
• Whole day sorted

Serious Walker Option:

• Start at Pigeon Mountain (summit and wetlands – 2 hours)
• Walk to Half Moon Bay Marina (20 minutes)
• Continue west to Bucklands Beach (40 minutes)
• Keep going to Howick (another 40 minutes)
• Catch bus back or have someone pick you up
• That’s 10km+ and a solid morning

With Kids (older kids who can handle hills):

• Pigeon Mountain summit only (allow 1.5 hours with stops)
• Make it an adventure – “we’re climbing a volcano!”
• Snacks at the top
• They’ll feel accomplished at the summit
• Ice cream at marina after

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